A week ago at Ibrox, usually a very difficult place for Rangers’ opponents, Club Brugge surprisingly secured qualification for the Champions League group stage by beating the Scots 3-1 at home. It was a disastrous start for Russell Martin’s team, who were three goals down in the first 20 minutes of play (Vermant, Spileers, and Mechele).
Rangers’ reaction came too late, as they merely slowed the pace at the start of the second half, scoring a consolation goal through Danilo. This collapse was difficult to predict, given that the Gers rarely fail in front of their own fans, but there had been some warning signs: in the league, the Glasgow club has not started well at all, as evidenced by the zero next to the wins column after three rounds (only three draws, including last Sunday’s at St Mirren).Needless to say, it will be very difficult to recover, especially for a team that has not won a game by two or more goals away from home in Europe’s top competition for 18 years. The mood is diametrically opposed at Club Brugge: the Nerazzurri have racked up five consecutive victories in the cup and league since their defeat—their only one so far this season—against Mechelen on August 1. Despite the departure of some excellent players (three key players, Jashari, Talbi, and De Cuyper, left for over €80 million), coach Nicky Hayen has managed to stay on course, and qualification for the Champions League would be a fitting reward for a club that is good at selling but also at finding new talent.
Odds comparison
Club Brugge’s victory is quoted at 1.55 on Lottomatica and Snai. The “Over 2.5” sign is quoted at 1.53 on Lottomatica and 1.55 on Snai.
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The prediction
It is impossible not to take into account the form of Club Brugge, who we believe will also prevail in the return leg after having had the “privilege” of resting over the weekend. At least three goals are expected overall.
Probable lineups for Club Brugge vs. Rangers
CLUB BRUGGE (4-3-3): Mignolet; Sabbe, Spileers, Mechele, Seys; Onyedika, Vanaken, Stankovic; Forbs, Vermant, Tzolis.
RANGERS (4-3-3): Butland; Tavernier, Souttar, Djiga, Meghoma; Diomande, Rothwell, Raskin; Antman, Danilo, Gassama.
POSSIBLE RESULT: 3-1